Job Title: Head Start Program Administrator
Reports to: Deputy Superintendent
Pay Grade: AP-5 Days: 226
Wage/Hour Status: Exempt
Dept./School: SSAISD Head Start
Primary Purpose:
The South San Antonio ISD Head Start Program Administrator provides visionary leadership to ensure a comprehensive, high-quality early childhood program that supports the development of the whole child while addressing the educational, health, social-emotional, and family needs of every child served. The Administrator possesses expertise in developmentally appropriate early childhood practices, high-quality instruction, targeted interventions, and comprehensive family engagement and support services.
The Administrator fosters a culture of collaboration by building strong partnerships with families, staff, community agencies, and stakeholders to promote school readiness, strengthen family well-being, and ensure positive outcomes for every child. Through strategic leadership, effective program management, and a commitment to continuous improvement, the Administrator ensures compliance with Head Start Performance Standards while advancing the District's mission of providing high-quality learning experiences that prepare children for lifelong success.
Qualifications
Education/Certification:
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Master's degree in education, leadership, or relevant field
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Texas principal or other appropriate supervision certificate, preferred
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Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable feel (approximately $50.00) paid by the employee
Knowledge/Skills:
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Knowledge of early childhood education, child development, and developmentally appropriate instructional practices.
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Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies.
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Experience leading and managing Head Start or early childhood education programs.
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Knowledge of family engagement, community resources, and comprehensive services that support children and families.
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Ability to develop, monitor, and manage program budgets and analyze financial and program data.
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Ability to supervise, evaluate, coach, and develop staff to improve program effectiveness.
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Strong leadership, organizational, interpersonal, and decision-making skills.
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Ability to build collaborative partnerships with families, staff, community organizations, and public agencies.
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Ability to facilitate meetings, resolve concerns professionally, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
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Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
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Proficiency with computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, Google Suite, file management, and data management systems.
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Commitment to serving diverse children and families through high-quality, community-based programming.
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Willingness to perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Experience:
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Minimum 3 years experience in a Head Start leadership position and/or program work in early childhood education
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Minimum 3 years experience in working with budgetary and financial records related to a Head Start, federal, and/or state early education program
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
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Provide strategic leadership for the implementation and continuous improvement of a high-quality Head Start program that supports the whole child and strengthens families.
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Ensure compliance with all Head Start Performance Standards and applicable federal, state, and district laws, regulations, and policies.
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Supervise, support, and evaluate program staff to promote effective operations, continuous improvement, and high-quality services.
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Collaborate with campus principals to review Pre-K assessment data, monitor kindergarten readiness, and implement strategies that strengthen early learning outcomes and ensure a successful transition to kindergarten.
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Serve as a key member of the Division of Academics by collaborating with district and campus leaders to advance early childhood initiatives that strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy, ensure kindergarten readiness, and establish the academic foundation for lifelong success in school, college, career, and life.
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Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with families, community agencies, governing bodies, and stakeholders to enhance program outcomes.
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Coordinate and communicate effectively with the Board of Trustees, Policy Council, and Office of Head Start.
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Plan and facilitate training for staff, Board members, Policy Council members, and parent volunteers regarding roles, responsibilities, and program requirements.
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Monitor program quality through observations, data analysis, meetings, file reviews, and performance evaluations, ensuring timely corrective action when needed.
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Develop, manage, and monitor program budgets, expenditures, purchasing, and fiscal reports in compliance with funding requirements.
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Prepare and submit grant applications, audits, required reports, and program documentation in compliance with established timelines and regulatory requirements.
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Ensure enrollment, recruitment, selection, attendance, and retention goals are met and maintained.
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Lead strategic planning through the development of the annual Community Needs Assessment and Annual Report.
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Represent the Head Start program through public presentations, community engagement, and professional organizations.
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Stay current on research, best practices, and emerging trends in early childhood education and comprehensive family services.
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Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
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Supervise ERSEA Coordinator
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Supervise ERSEA, Disabilities, Transportation Specialist
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Supervise Secretary and office clerks
Working Conditions: Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals
Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional standing, walking, climbing, crouching, bending, stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting, lifting-lower 1-15 lbs.
Motion: Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching. Sensory ability needs-significant; hearing, near vision, peripheral vision color distinction, depth perception
Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)
Environment: Frequent district-wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned; frequent prolonged and irregular hours
Physical Exposure: Frequent cold and heat
Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; Supervise and evaluate the performance of departmental staff; ability to communicate (verbal and written); ability to instruct; maintain emotional control under stress.
The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.
